As the craft brewing industry grows, so do the trade shows looking to serve it. The recent Craft Brewers Conference and BrewExpo America was a big hit in Washington, D.C., this past March. Next year, we will see the unveiling of the Craft Beverage Expo, a comprehensive trade show and conference designed to help participants not just across craft beer, but all segments of the growing craft beer, wine and spirits industries. The show is set to launch at the San Jose Convention Center, May 6-8, 2014.

Organizers say they will bring together the entire craft beverage industry to look at best practices from all these various vertical beverage markets. The forum will also provide attendees a unique opportunity to exchange ideas and will foster a community of collaboration based on common goals and a shared commitment to quality over quantity.

The multi-billion dollar craft beverage industry, which is comprised of boutique wineries, craft breweries, craft distilleries and other producers of small batch hand-made alcoholic beverages, had not previously been served collectively by a trade show or association. This show looks to change that.

“We want to give a voice to the craft beverage producers whose needs are very different from traditional large-scale producers,” said Kellie Shevlin, executive director of Craft Beverage Expo. “Our mission is to help producers in each market segment find solutions tailored to the size and scope of their operation. Craft Beverage Expo will provide the access they need to distributors and vendors that want to work with smaller beverage producers.”

“Because craft producers cannot compete on price or scale, competition for distribution is a constant struggle,” said Michael Kaiser, Director of Communications, WineAmerica. “Craft Beverage Expo can help fill a void by providing valuable ways for many of the smaller producers to stand-out, create a compelling marketing package and get products in front of consumers.”

Organizers say changes in governmental regulations have now allowed for more craft beverage producers to enter the marketplace, making the need for Craft Beverage Expo even more important.

“Craft Beverage Expo is the only event that I’m aware of that unites all segments of our industry at one time in one place,” said Tom McCormick, executive director of the California Craft Brewers Association. “It’s a tremendous opportunity for craft beer, wine and spirits producers to get the tools and education they need, especially on the business, sales and marketing end, to compete effectively in the marketplace and be successful.”